Maltipoos have become increasingly popular over the years. If you have decided to bring one of these adorable pups into your home, you need to know about the differences between males and females.
What Is a Maltipoo?
If you are unfamiliar with Maltipoos, it is essential to know they are hybrid dogs that are a cross between a Maltese and Poodle. These dogs are often referred to as designer breeds.
Because Maltipoos are mixed breed dogs, it can be difficult to predict what traits they will pick up from their parents. Since Poodles have curly hair and Maltese have plain white fur, a Maltipoo may have curly, wavy, or scruffy hair in a range of colors.
Maltipoos are highly loveable and active. These dogs are affectionate and loving by nature. Maltipoos do well in homes with children and other dogs.
How Long Do Maltipoos Live?
Because these dogs are small and have relatively few health issues, Maltipoos will live between 10 to 15 years. The dog’s lifespan will depend on his diet, exercise, and overall health. Yearly examinations and vaccines will keep Maltipoos healthy.
Average Size of Maltipoos
Maltipoos are a designer breed meant to remain small. Because the Poodle parent may vary in size, Maltipoos come in different weights and heights.
On average, Maltipoos are 8 to 14 inches tall. These dogs weigh between 5 to 20 pounds.
What Are the Differences Between Male and Female Maltipoos?
One of the first questions people have regarding Maltipoos is the difference between males and females. Does the gender of the dog determine its behavior, health, and size? Continue reading to find out more.
Health Differences Between Male and Female Maltipoos
You may be surprised to learn the health of a Maltipoo can be affected by its gender. Some health conditions are affected by male or female hormones.
Male Maltipoos are at risk of developing testicular cancer and prostate diseases.
Female Maltipoos are at risk of developing uterine cancer, uterine infections, and mammary cancer.
To prevent these diseases and cancers, you should plan on spaying or neutering your Maltipoo. Do this as soon as your dog reaches the right age if you do not plan on breeding.
Another difference you will notice between the two genders is the surgery. These differences are not just for Maltipoo but rather all male and female dog breeds.
Neutering a male is less expensive than spaying a female. You will also notice the recovery time for males is less because the surgery is not as complex as spaying.
Size Differences Between Male and Female Maltipoos
Gender affects the size of all dog breeds, including Maltipoos. Like most breeds, males are typically bigger than females, at around 10% larger. Although males are larger, the untrained eye is likely unable to notice the difference because these dogs are already so small.
Male Maltipoos develop a little slower than females. Your female Maltipoo may be a little bigger than your male until he catches up with her.
How Do Male and Female Maltipoos Differ in Appearance?
Gender does not affect the appearance of Maltipoos for the most part. The length of your dog’s coat, the color, and the texture all depend on genes from the parents.
Maltipoos are diminutive dogs and keep their puppy-like appearance and behavior throughout their lives. These dogs will make you fall in love with them at first sight.
What About the Differences in Grooming Male and Female Maltipoos?
One of the reasons many people choose Maltipoos is because they are so low maintenance. These dogs do not shed much, but they need daily grooming to keep their fur from becoming matted.
Since their coats are basically the same in both males and females, you will not have to worry about any differences in grooming styles or tools. Use a detangling comb to keep your dog’s fur smooth and free of knots.
You should wash your pooch about once a month unless he gets overly dirty. Like all dogs, Maltipoos can develop itchy skin, so it is crucial to bathe them with a gentle shampoo formulated for dogs.
Behavioral Differences Between Male and Female Maltipoos
If you talk to any dog breeders, you are going to find they speak about the differences between male and female behavior. Many trainers find it easier to train male Maltipoos over females.
Females are more territorial than males, but male Maltipoos can also become territorial, given the right circumstances.
While males are more likely to hump and mark their territory, females can be guilty as well. If these behaviors occur, spaying and neutering will stop them. These surgical procedures can also curb aggressiveness.
Female and male hormones can cause these unwanted behaviors, but boredom, medical issues, bladder infections, and other medical conditions can also play a role. If your dog has been spayed or neutered and is exhibiting these behaviors, consult with your vet.
Which Should You Choose?
Maltipoos are adorable dogs, and the gender differences do not make one better than the other. It mostly boils down to preference.
Both dogs are fairly easy to train, especially when you start early. Males tend to be a little easier to train, but this does not mean you will be unable to train a female Maltipoo.
While females are more likely to become territorial, male dogs may hump and mark their territory. Both genders have their quirks, but they are all loveable.
If you choose a Maltipoo, you will be thrilled with the loving nature and energy these little bundles of joy possess. These dogs are good with children and other dogs and will quickly become a member of the family.